A single car accident can have consequences that last far beyond the repair shop. One of the most common concerns drivers have after a crash is how long the accident will affect their car insurance. The answer depends on a few key factors, including fault, the severity of the crash, and your insurance provider’s policies.
Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for rate changes and take steps to protect yourself financially.
Does Fault Matter for Insurance in South Carolina?
Yes. In South Carolina, which is an at-fault state, the driver responsible for causing an accident is generally liable for damages. That means the insurance company for the at-fault driver pays out claims.
Even if you are not at fault, insurers may still note the accident in your claims history through the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE), which keeps auto claim records for up to seven years.
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) also maintains collision reports, which insurers can review when underwriting new policies.
How Much Can Insurance Rates Increase After an Accident?
Industry studies show that premiums often rise significantly after an at-fault crash. According to a Bankrate 2024 analysis, drivers pay an average of 44% more nationwide after one at-fault accident, though increases vary widely depending on insurer and severity of the claim.
- Minor property-damage-only accidents often remain on your record for about 3 years.
- Accidents involving injuries may impact rates for 5 years or more.
- DUI or reckless driving can remain on record for 7–10 years and dramatically increase costs.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) explains that insurers use many variables when setting rates, including accident history, age, and type of vehicle (NAIC Auto Insurance Guide).
Factors That Influence How Long an Accident Affects Insurance
Several variables determine how long an accident will follow you:
- Severity of the crash: Minor fender-benders may drop off sooner, while injury-related claims can stay up to 7 years in databases like LexisNexis C.L.U.E.
- Fault determination: At-fault drivers see longer impacts than those cleared of responsibility.
- Type of claim filed: Bodily injury or high-cost property claims carry greater weight than small repairs.
- Insurance company practices: Each insurer uses different “lookback” periods when reviewing your claims history, typically ranging from 3–5 years, though they have access to up to 7 years of data.
- State reporting rules: South Carolina DMV records can also show accident history when insurers pull motor vehicle reports.
Can You Remove or Dispute an Accident From Your Record?
In most cases, once an accident is reported to your insurer, it remains part of your claims history until it ages out. However, you do have some options:
- Request your CLUE report: You are entitled to one free copy of your LexisNexis C.L.U.E. Auto report each year to verify accuracy.
- Dispute errors: If an accident is incorrectly listed, you can file a dispute with LexisNexis or your insurer to have it corrected.
- Minor accidents not claimed: If you pay out-of-pocket for a very small repair and don’t file a claim, the incident may not appear on your record.
Do All Accidents Show Up on Insurance Records?
Not necessarily. Insurance companies typically track any accident reported to them, regardless of fault. However, very minor accidents that are not reported to insurance and involve no claims may not appear on your official record.
Keep in mind that South Carolina requires drivers to report certain accidents to the DMV. Specifically, crashes involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported, even if you don’t plan to file an insurance claim.
Having more than one accident within a few years can significantly increase your premiums. Insurers view multiple accidents as a pattern of risk, which often results in higher costs or even non-renewal of your policy.
Best Practices to Lower Insurance Costs After an Accident
Even if an accident remains on your record for years, you can take steps to reduce its impact on your insurance rates. Maintaining a clean driving history afterward shows responsibility, and completing a defensive driving course approved by the South Carolina DMV may earn you discounts.
Improving your credit score can also help, as many insurers consider it when setting premiums. Comparing quotes from multiple providers and adjusting your coverage or deductibles can further balance costs and keep your rates manageable.
When to Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
While rising insurance rates after an accident can be frustrating, the more serious concern is often the financial burden of injuries, medical expenses, and lost income. If the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
An experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer can help prove fault, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for your damages, ensuring you’re not left to shoulder the costs alone. Stewart Law Offices is here to help 866-STEWART.
